Mandatory testing for the AIDS antibody

The appearance of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) has brought suffering and death to those who are afflicted. At the same time, this disease has posed enormous challenges to those who care for the sufferers, to biomedical scientists, and to those responsible for public health and social policy. The issue addressed in this article is whether the implementation of mandatory testing for the AIDS antibody is an appropriate and effective strategy to use in coping with the AIDS epidemic. The goal of an AIDS prevention program is to prevent transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections. The pro and con aspects of using mandatory AIDS antibody testing to achieve this goal are given in issue statements. The opinions of leading authorities are presented, followed by a general review of the literature. The literature is then reviewed concerning the issue as it effects the nurse as an individual, the nursing profession, and the health-care delivery system. A position is taken and specific recommendations are proposed for the profession in the areas of practice, legislation, and research.